On my hook... Planned colour pooling interrupted

I decided to give planned colour pooling a try.  After attempting with a few different yarns that didn't work, I settled on using Caron Simply Soft Stripes in Jersey Shore.  The resulting project is very wide and will likely end up being a large lap blanket.  I've just started on the fourth skein, and will likely use twelve in total.

Whenever I settle to work on it, Freya decides she needs to cuddle.   She makes it quite difficult to work at times!  It's nice when she's settled like in the photo below, but usually she is walking back and forth across my chest.

She makes it very challenging!

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Crochet Rope Basket... with cat

Some time ago, I had picked up several pieces of glow in the dark rope that I found at a rather strange discount superstore in my city, with the thought of crocheting with it.  In the end, I decided against doing it, partly because it seemed a waste to do that with something that is intended to be exposed to light and glow in the dark.  Too much of the rope would be hidden in the twists and loops.

Instead, I decided to use it to make a rope basket.  I found instructions online that I used as a guide, crocheting the coiled rope in place with white cotton crochet thread and a 3.00mm hook. 

A little while ago, I finished it.  It's a bit wonky, and there are things I would do different, but that's okay.  I've got two more lengths of the same rope remaining and will likely use them to make a larger version.

It doesn't seem to glow very well, but perhaps it just hasn't had enough exposure to bright enough light, yet.  I'll have to test it out better, another time.

After showing it to my husband, he suggested I get a picture of it by our cat, Freya. So I did.  She was curled up on the spare bed with her boy, Finnigan.  Finn ignored it completely.

My husband also predicted that she would immediately try and go into the basket.

He was right, of course.

She does this with pretty much everything.  Even the case for my glucometer.

I love our crazy cats.

As for the basket, I am quite happy with it and will definitely work up another one.  I will probably do another oval, though I haven't decided if I will make handles like this again, or make one with a lid.

A bit of an update, plus a teaser

So things are quiet here on the blog, which means that things are busy out in real life!

There are a few things in the works.  Among them is that I will be working towards getting my domain name and a web host to move away from blogger.  Not a big hurry on that right now, though, as those real life things still need to be taken care of.  One of those is to replace our van, which has died a glorious death, but only after getting me safely home.  I already miss my Lulubelle!  We depended on that vehicle a lot.  Unfortunately, getting a replacement we can afford has turned out to be more difficult than expected.  We need to stick with getting a van, as we need something that can fit all four of us, plus his walker, and it tall enough for him to get up into.  A smaller vehicle is much more painful for him to get into and sit in.

Enter my wonderful daughter.  She has been focusing on her art online a lot more.  She's started up a Patreon account, her new web comic, Borrowed Bones, is now live, and she is still taking commissions.

She has told me that all proceeds from her commissions will go towards acquiring another van.

You can see her rates, with samples, here.

You can also follow her tumblr posts here.

You can also get her art printed onto various things at her Redbubble shop.  I've got "All Sun Dappled" on a tote bag and phone cover, and I just love the quality of the products, as well as how well her art looks on it.  My younger daughter got "Darkening the Stars" on a phone case and "The Prophet" on a tank top.

Meanwhile, here is a sneak peak at one of my newest hats, which will go onto my Etsy shop, Treasures Down the Road, as soon as I can take some decent photos ready. The photo does not do justice to how incredibly sparkling it is!  And so comfortable to wear, too!

I'm working on another one that's going to be even more sparkling, with metallic strands and sequins.  It's going to be awesome!